In terms of the theory of a transient energy balance on the finite controlled volume, in this paper, a transient three-dimensional heat transfer model for the simulation of a single vertical U-tube ground heat exchanger based on finite-difference methods is systematically proposed. The model is also compared with experimental results during the heating operation in winter. What's more,based on test data and domestic and foreign literature, the equations to determine the undisturbed ground temperature for wet and heavy soil in Chongqing are presented. These formulae are essential conditions to calculate the heat transfer model.